Goan debut kicked in superbly

Footballers in Cayman’s Indian community came together to stage their own Sunday afternoon league at the Triple C school in George Town.

The Indian All Goa Taluka Level seven-a-side football league was the idea of the late Marcelo Coutinho, Alex Rebello and Camilo Fernandes.

Salcette II beat Salcettte I 2-0 in the final through goals by Savio Carneiro and Julius Fernandes.

The United Goan Community organised the league, which went on for two months and was so popular that plans for the next one are under way for after Easter Sunday next year.

Lazarus Moraes supported and assisted with all aspects of the league. “It was a great success with six teams participating,” he said. “There has been a lot of positive feedback. Fitness has been developed, it promoted friendship and created activity.”

Despite the relatively small participation, there were many categories for players to excel in. The best goalkeeper in the league was Pankaj Volvoikar. Other best category winners were Joaquim Martins (defender), Stafford Pereira (midfielder and highest scorer), Savio Carneiro (striker and player of the finals), Effan Fernandes (promising player) and Bernard Silviera (player of the third place match).

The league was initially instigated by Camilo Fernandes, an employee of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and a veteran player. “He took the initiative and responsibility with the support of all Goans,” said Lazarus. “This league could produce a side good enough to play in the Sunday League, definitely.”

He added: “We thank all the sponsors, well wishers, volunteers, supporters, spectators and donators. Special thanks too to Triple C School for giving us the ground.”